Read More

Speaking to the Irish Times afterwards, Mr Fleming said that when the service is called to deal with overcrowding, it is usually "after the event" - rather than as a preventative measure.

He said: "We need specific legislation to deal with the overcrowding issue.

"When Dublin Fire Brigade receives a complaint about a property we do our best to deal with it under the Fire Services Act that we operate under, but it should not be the primary legislation to deal with this.

"Overcrowding poses many other issues to people in terms of general lifestyle other than fire. The legislation that deals with housing standards should deal with this."

It comes after Dublin City Council Chief Executive Owen Keegan was criticised for not enforcing minimum standards in rented accommodation.

RTE Investigates goes undercover to reveal the experiences of people living in sub-standard rented accommodation in Ireland (Image: RTE)

Read More

Social Democrats spokesperson on housing quality and building standards Cian O’Callaghan hit out at Mr Keegan for not addressing "serious fire safety concerns" at a housing development in north Dublin.

Mr O'Callaghan said: "In early October 2017, I wrote twice to Owen Keegan Chief Executive of Dublin City Council about serious fire safety concerns in a major housing development on the northside of Dublin.

RTE Investigates goes undercover to reveal the experiences of people living in sub-standard rented accommodation in Ireland (Image: RTE)

"I have yet to receive even a cursory reply let alone any indication of action on his behalf.

"In this development residents have been trying for years to engage with Dublin City Council and Dublin Fire Brigade about their concerns – however there is a steadfast refusal by the authorities to meet with the residents and their fire safety experts."

Dublin City Council has reportedly been informed to launch an advertising campaign to encourage people to report issues with substandard accommodation and overcrowding.